Whakatāne mayor, Tony Bonne says it's unfair that Māori seats are determined by a general vote in local government. Submissions have already been sent out to local iwi in regards to establishing three new seats on the Whakatāne District Council.

Auckland City Council has voted in principle to support a Māori seat, but requires a law change for space at the table. At the council meeting questions were raised about the future of the Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB) should a Māori seat be established.

Today is national Vote Day meaning there is one week left until ballots close for the local body elections? Off-the-cuff rapper Tihei Harawira is spreading the word, in an effort to encourage youth participation.